Glen Ellyn Jaycees Name Tax Protester Citizen Of The Year

Some of the qualities that have made Thomas Voltaggio a thorn in the side of taxing bodies earned him the title of Glen Ellyn Citizen of the Year from the local Jaycees.

Voltaggio`s efforts as president of Initiative for Responsibility and Accountability in Tax Equity (IRATE) have been ``outstanding,`` Jaycee President Debbie Patrick said.

Voltaggio called the award a special honor because it came from a group that exemplifies the volunteer spirit.

``IRATE was formed in 1988 after many of us in Glen Ellyn found ourselves facing increases of 20, 30 and even 50 percent in our tax bills,`` said Voltaggio. ``I saw right in the home of my own parents how devastating it could be. Here were people who had worked hard all their lives, and while they were not poor, they didn`t have a lot more than what they needed.``

``I have watched my property tax bill grow from 25-30 percent of my mortgage payment to 60 percent in a matter of three years,`` he said.

Two years ago, the group`s watchdog activities involving Glenbard High School District 87 led to Robert O`Brien, the outgoing board president, to embark on a letter-writing campaign opposing Voltaggio`s candidacy for a board seat.

Voltaggio lost the election, but that didn`t dampen his fervor.

``Our school taxes make up 70 percent of our tax bill,`` he said this week. ``District 87, this year, is asking for an 8 percent increase in the levy, yet most people are happy to be working in this difficult time and we are officially in a recession. Corporations have pulled in the belt. The school district hasn`t.``

While the group`s emphasis is on school budgets, it also has become involved in other issues, such as opposing construction of a swimming pool in the village.

Voltaggio said the group has not locked horns with Glen Ellyn officials because it feels the village has a good record on taxation.

``If other taxing bodies which service us had similar records of performance, there would be no IRATE,`` he said.